Democratic Committee Delays Announcing County Executive Candidate

April 30, 2013

MAYVILLE - The announcement of a Democratic Party candidate for county executive has been postponed.

Norm Green, Chautauqua County Democratic Committee chairman, said that the announcement of a Democratic candidate, which was expected later this week, will be put off for two weeks.

"In light of County Executive Greg Edwards' announcement Friday that he is not running for re-election, I have asked the Democratic candidate who was to announce a county executive run this week to delay the release, and the candidate agreed," Green said.

Green emphasized that the process the committee goes through is open and transparent. He said committee members had asked that it extend the search process for two weeks in order to avoid criticism, while listening to anyone else who may come forward.

"We want to avoid a primary and we want to hear from all prospective candidates so as to assure ourselves that we have the very best nominee," Green said.

In order to be considered, Green said people call the county chairman on the phone in order to express interest. A search committee then speaks with potential candidates to help decide the Democratic candidate. When choosing a potential candidate, the committee looks for a couple basic items.

"One, they have to be of good character, and two, they have to have the ability to do the job," Green said.

By delaying the candidate announcement by two weeks, Green said it will allow other interested parties an opportunity to come forward and be considered in a Democratic process.

"Also, Greg Edwards is a gentleman and someone I respect," Green said. "He deserves to not to have his county government retirement announcement stepped on by me or the Democrats. I may not agree with his politics, but I admire this good family man and will miss working with him in Mayville."

A phone call to the Chautauqua County Republican committee for the status of finding a Republican candidate was not immediately returned Monday.